Recommend August 2016 - 14

Clockwise from left (this page): Penthouse accommodations aboard the Crystal Mozart; American Queen Steamboat Company is offering holiday sailings; Tauck has christened the ms Joy; and French America Line sets sail in the U.S. this October. Opposite page (top): The new Royal Owner's Suites set to debut on board refurbished Scenic ships; and (bottom): American Cruise Lines' American Constellation will set sail next spring. Crystal River Cruises Last month, the all-suite, 154-guest Crystal Mozart sailed off on the Danube on her maiden voyage. It's the first Crystal River Cruises ship to set sail in the fleet; next summer will see four additional river yachts launched. The Mozart offers spacious suites-ranging from 204 to 705 sq. ft.-with Apple iPad devices that serve as digital directories and 40-inch flat-screen HDTVs, as well as backlit bathroom mirrors with integrated TVs. During the day, guests can attend a yoga session or relax on sun loungers on Deck 4, or get pampered on what is hailed as the largest spa in river cruising, the Crystal Life Spa, featuring an indoor pool and fully equipped fitness and spa. Cruises feature complimentary excursions, and guests can reserve electronic bicycles for independent exploration, or opt for VIP Champagne boat tours available for private cruising and sightseeing along Europe's narrower waterways. Check online for rates and itineraries. crystalrivercruises.com French America Line With a first embarkation this Oct. 1, French America Line's new flagship 150-guest Louisiane has been named a preferred partner by Journese, Pleasant Holidays' luxury travel division. "French America Line is a great fit for Journese," said Amy Comparato, brand director for Journese, in a press statement. "The new cruise line offers diverse and rarely sailed river cruises visiting charming American destinations with a wealth of amenities, enriching excursions...." The 75-suite and -stateroom vessel will be home porting in New Orleans and will sail 5- to 10-day cruises celebrating regional food, culture and history along the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland and Red rivers in areas that were known as French America during the time of American colonization. Pricing is virtually all-inclusive, with chef-designed meals; 1-night pre-cruise deluxe hotel stay; and complimentary WiFi, among other amenities. The 10-day Jewels of the Heartland from Chicago to St. Paul departs Sept. 30 and starts at $4,599. frenchamericaline.com Emerald Waterways Know of clients who yearn for more activities while sailing the world's great rivers? Emerald Waterways' Emerald Active program offers passengers the opportunity to engage in more athletic pursuits such as guided bike tours and hikes on six of the line's most popular European itineraries. Examples include hikes in Germany's dramatic Black Forest during the 8-day Jewels of the Rhine sailing from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, and to Wertheim Castle near Miltenberg, Germany on the American Queen Steamboat Company It's still summertime, but your clients are probably thinking ahead to their Christmas vacation, and so should you. American Queen Steamboat Company is also in the Christmas mood offering 9-day holiday voyages aboard the American Queen, which will travel along the Lower Mississippi River beginning this Thanksgiving and through the New Year. Features include onboard music, and seasonal and locally produced crafts and goods, as well as holiday-specific onboard entertainment, carolers in St. Francisville, LA, and departure serenades from the levees of Vicksburg and Natchez, MS. The line's president and COO Ted Sykes said in a press statement that, "We are thrilled to offer these lively holiday cruises that incorporate the best of the Antebellum South during this magical time of year." The 9-day New Orleans to Memphis Thanksgiving Festival itinerary is one of several holiday cruises, and starts at $2,249. americanqueensteamboatcompany.com Tauck 15-day Splendours of Europe sailing. Cycling enthusiasts will enjoy a guided bike tour of the Austrian city of Melk on the 8-day Danube Delights sailing from Nuremberg to Budapest, or a more urban biking experience around the Serbian capital of Belgrade during the 10-day Enchantment of Eastern Europe cruise. All Emerald Active excursions are offered to guests at no additional charge. Rates for the April 2017 sailing of Enchantment of Eastern Europe cruise start at $2,995. emeraldwaterways.com The 130-guest ms Joy, which was christened recently on the Danube, is Tauck's second river cruise ship to launch this year. It features twenty-two 300-sq.-ft. suites, which, according to press material, is the most suites of that size on a European riverboat. Each comes with two French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows, roomy walk-in closet, and spacious marble bathroom. There are also thirty-two 225-sq.-ft. cabins (including eight loft cabins), plus an additional 13 cabins ranging from 150 to 190 sq. ft. Additionally, guests have access to a second dining venue, Arthur's, named after the company chairman Arthur Tauck, Jr. In 2017, the ms Joy will host family groups as it sails on the 8-day Tauck Bridges itinerary, the Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure, starting at $3,990. tauck.com http://www.crystalrivercruises.com http://www.frenchamericaline.com http://www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com http://www.tauck.com http://www.emeraldwaterways.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend August 2016